Adsorption Heat Pump (AHP): Cooling from Low-Temperature Waste Heat with Less Electricity
An Adsorption Heat Pump (AHP) is a thermally driven heating and cooling system that operates through the physical adsorption of a refrigerant onto a solid adsorbent material. Unlike conventional vapor-compression systems that rely on mechanical energy, AHPs are powered by low-grade thermal energy sources such as waste heat, solar thermal energy, or biomass, offering a highly energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative.
Using environmentally safe solid adsorbents such as silica gel, zeolite, or activated carbon, and natural refrigerants like water or ammonia, the system functions through a cyclic adsorption–desorption process. During adsorption, refrigerant vapor adheres to the solid adsorbent, releasing heat for heating purposes. In the desorption phase, heat is applied to the adsorbent, releasing the refrigerant vapor, which then condenses to produce cooling.
By tapping into waste or renewable heat sources, AHPs significantly reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions, making them ideal for decentralized and off-grid applications. They are particularly effective in settings where electricity is limited or costly, or where waste heat is abundantly available. Although AHPs typically exhibit lower coefficients of performance (COP) than conventional systems and may require more installation space, their energy efficiency, sustainability, safety, and long lifespan make them a compelling choice for green and circular energy systems.
This technology is available for R&D collaboration and IP licensing with industrial partners including data centers, refrigeration equipment manufacturers, and energy solution providers.